‘This is how I wanted it to end’: Luai leaves Panthers with one last win

After most players had cleared the field on Sunday night following Penrith’s fourth successive premiership win, Jarome Luai lingered.

With his back against the goalposts and the blinding lights of Accor Stadium bearing down on him, he was soaking up his time in the spotlight, wearing a Panthers jersey, one last time.

Jarome Luai lingers on the field after his fourth successive premiership with the Panthers. Credit: Nine

It was a deep breath moment for Luai, as the elation of a fourth premiership ring mixed with the knowledge he might never do it again. Or, at least, he will never do it again with Penrith.

As he took a knee on the turf before exiting the field, Luai thought to himself, “it’s been a special ride”.

“I got a bit emotional there, I’m just really thankful, grateful to do what I’ve done and learnt what I’ve learnt from these guys and coaches,” he said. “It’s pretty much everyone before me, everyone that’s left the club, everyone who’s here today. It’s been a special ride.

“I wouldn’t say [I’m] upset, but I spoke to my dad before, and it’s sinking in that I won’t be here any more. This is how I wanted it to be, this is how I wanted it to end and that’s more what I’m focused on. I’ll deal with all the emotion later on, but I’m over the moon.”

Before Luai had time to himself, he took a moment with Nathan Cleary. Foreheads together, arms around one another, Luai paid homage to his halves partner of more than a decade with a bold declaration, “best to ever do it”.

“I don’t think anyone will do what we’ve done ever again, what we’ve done here,” Luai said. “We’ve got a few sons in this team, so maybe they’ll be the ones to break this record.”

Luai and Cleary started their journey together more than a decade ago, in the under 16s Harold Matthews competition, and after 133 games, and 107 wins, the partnership has come to its end.

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai embrace on the field at full-time.Credit: Getty Images

It’s a fairytale ending for Luai, but the pressure of going out on a high didn’t play on his mind. “I’m funny how I look at pressure, I don’t think I view it the same as others. I love big games, I love what it brings,” he said. “This is why we play footy. Pressure is a bit of a funny word, some view it differently than others and I see it as an opportunity.

“It never crossed my mind, not once [wouldn’t end this way]. I’ve got supreme confidence in me and in this group. I was nervous today laying in bed, and then I just thought of all the players around me, and I was like, we’re sweet. This team is amazing. They all probably view pressure in the same way that I do. What a way to go out.”

Now, it’s time for Luai to be a leader as he heads to a Wests Tigers team that’s trying to avoid their own kind of four-peat with the wooden spoon in 2025, but it’s a role he is ready for.

“I’ve gotten a lot of confidence out of this year, especially with Nath being out,” Luai said. “It was an opportunity for me to grow in that role [halfback], I’ve never had to play it since I’ve been here. I know I’m on the way out, but I’m ready for it.”

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